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Top 5 players to play for the Colorado Rockies and Los Angeles Angels

By Nathaniel Sunshine

May 28, 2019; Denver, CO, USA; Colorado Rockies catcher Chris Iannetta (22) rounds the bases on a two run home run in the seventh inning against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Coors Field. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports
May 28, 2019; Denver, CO, USA; Colorado Rockies catcher Chris Iannetta (22) rounds the bases on a two run home run in the seventh inning against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Coors Field. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports /
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ARLINGTON, TX – MAY 16: Justin Speier of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim pitches during the game against the Texas Rangers at Rangers Ballpark in Arlington in Arlington, Texas on Saturday, May 16, 2009. The Rangers defeated the Angels 5-3. (Photo by John Williamson/MLB Photos via Getty Images)
ARLINGTON, TX – MAY 16: Justin Speier of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim pitches during the game against the Texas Rangers at Rangers Ballpark in Arlington in Arlington, Texas on Saturday, May 16, 2009. The Rangers defeated the Angels 5-3. (Photo by John Williamson/MLB Photos via Getty Images) /

The Colorado Rockies are taking on the Los Angeles Angels this week in Anaheim. The two teams have shared a lot of talented players over the years, and who knows what the future holds. I know I am excited to watch the team play against Shohei Ohtani (who I had really hoped the Rockies would sign back when he was a free agent).

Let’s look back at the shared history of the Colorado Rockies and Los Angeles Angels and rank the very best players they have shared over the years.

Total number of shared players: 49

Exclusively Rockies and Angels players:

Edgar Clemente

Jairo Diaz

Jason Gurka

Ty Van Burkleo

Honorable Mentions:

C.J. Cron

Jhoulys Chacin

LaTroy Hawkins

Steve Finley

Dexter Fowler

Andres Galarraga

Ron Gant

Brad Hawpe

Eric Young Jr.

5. Justin Speier

Justin Speier was a relief pitcher on some terrible Colorado Rockies teams and some very good Los Angeles Angels teams. He spent three seasons with both teams, making him one of the longest-tenured players to play across both teams.

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Speier was special in that he was a player who was successful at Coors Field, particularly in the pre-humidor days. In 2001, Speier managed a sub 4.00 ERA at Coors.

His principal claim to fame, though, came from his time at the end of his career with the Angels. During his first year with the team, Speier posted an impressive 2.88 ERA across 51 appearances in the 2007 season. Angels fans might remember Speier for his awful appearances in the 2007 ALDS, even taking the loss in game two. Speier gave up five earned runs in his two appearances. After this point, Speier’s career took a downturn that would ultimately see the end of his career.

Speier may not have had the most shining moments like other players on this list, but he is among the most tenured. He was skilled enough to earn 12 total seasons in MLB, reason enough to make number five on this list.

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